Work on £4.3m wall as part of Metro work in Dudley progressing well
Work to build a £4.3 million wall in Dudley, paving the way for the town’s Metro connections, has taken a step forward.
There have been no major issues with the project to build the retaining wall and it is expected to be completed by the end of May, members of Dudley Council’s cabinet will hear at a meeting next week.
The £4.33 million wall at Castle Hill is the first physical structure as part of Dudley’s Metro connection plans.
It is a key component of Dudley Council’s major regeneration project for Dudley town and will play a critical role in the Very Light Rail Innovation Centre project.
The wall will support the Metro tracks down from near the Hippodrome through Castle Hill and into the town centre – with the track sitting on top of the wall.
The West Midlands Combined Authority approved funding of £4,335,000 in November 2017 for the retaining wall. The cash covers the build and preparatory works.
Work commenced as planned in September 2019, and is expected to be completed by May 29.
Dudley Council's leader Patrick Harley said: "It is great to see that work is progressing well on the retaining wall.
"This is a huge moment in Dudley’s regeneration story and demonstrates it is our time to build, connect and grow.
"Working with our partners we are delivering the biggest changes our borough has ever seen and this investment brings a new metro line, shops, homes, offices, leisure centre plus much more to the people of our borough."
The delivery of the Very Light Rail and Metro programmes form part of an exciting larger £1 billion regeneration programme for Dudley town centre.
Other big regeneration projects in the borough include the new Dudley Leisure Centre, due to open in summer 2021.
The current demolition of Cavendish House is also leading the way for the major mixed-use development Portersfield, which could create up to 500 jobs, see hundreds of apartments built and potential to include shops, restaurants, bars and offices.
It will be discussed by Dudley Council's cabinet at their meeting on Tuesday, which will take place at the Council House, off Priory Road.
